E64:09 13 August 2009

Liz Snape reappointed to HSE board

The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Yvette Cooper, has announced that Liz Snape has been reappointed to the Board of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Currently the Director of Policy and Political Affairs at Unison, Liz’s involvement with the trade union movement stretches back 25 years during which she has been a passionate advocate of workers’ rights, especially within the public sector.

Liz joined the then Health and Safety Commission (HSC) in 2003 and was reappointed in 2006. When the HSC and the Health and Safety Executive merged on 1 April 2008, her appointment was transferred to the merged HSE. Following an open competition exercise, Liz has now been reappointed to the HSE for an additional three years as a non-executive board member.

Judith Hackitt, HSE Chair, said:

"Liz has demonstrated a passion for health and safety for well over two decades and has brought that passion to her role as a Board member.

"Her reappointment ensures that the HSE Board continues to benefit from her insight and knowledge. In leading the drive for safer and healthier workplaces in Britain it is vitally important that the Board continues to reflect the diversity of workplaces throughout Great Britain and the challenges we face."

Liz Snape said:

"I’m delighted to have been asked to serve on the HSE Board for another three years.

"Health and safety is all about preventing death, injury and work-related illness. These are fundamental workers’ rights and even in tough economic times they cannot be ignored.

"It is a sad fact that each year some 180 people go to work in the morning and don’t ever return to their families because of preventable workplace safety failings. With my colleagues on the Board, I will continue to campaign for safer and healthier workplaces."

Notes to editors

1. Photographs are available by contacting HSE PR on the numbers below.
2. The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) and Health and Safety Executive merged on 1 April 2008, when the commissioners became non-executive board members.
3. Liz Snape worked from 1990 to 1994 as Legal Officer with the union NALGO. She then took on equal opportunities and European policy employment with Unison, where she became Head of Policy in 1999. Since 1996 Liz has also served as an executive member of the European Public Services Union and was made a member of the TUC general council in 2001. In October 2006, she was appointed as Unison’s Director of Policy and Political Affairs. She is currently serving on the Women and Work Commission set up by the Prime Minister, for which she was awarded an MBE in 2007, and on the Public Services Forum.
4. The Health and Safety Executive is the national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to prevent death, injury and ill health in Great Britain’s workplaces. HSE non-executive Board members receive annual remuneration of £16,781 for up to 30 days’ work a year.
5. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity (if any declared) to be made public. Liz has held office, and canvassed on behalf of the Labour Party. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments Code of Practice.

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